BACKGROUND: The safety of laparoscopic procedures has been studied broadly. The effects on cardiopulmonary function and reliable methods of monitoring concentrate more interest.
METHODS: A prospective study in 22 consecutive patients with ASA I and II was designed. The continuous assessment of alterations of arterial blood gases, pH, arterial pressure and heart rate during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum American technique was achieved using an intra-vascular multi-parameter sensor Paratrend.
RESULTS: Statistically significant increase of both PaCO2 and PE.CO2 in parallel and a corresponding decrease of pH were found in correlation with the duration of the pneumoperitoneum. The values of PaO2, Sat O2, base excess, H-CO3, mean arterial pressure and heart rate showed no statistically significant alterations at any time throughout the procedure. No differences were noted between younger patients and in the elderly or between patients with ASA I and II.
CONCLUSIONS: Intra-arterial blood-gas sensor ensures continuous on-line monitoring, but no abnormal and threatening changes occur during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in otherwise healthy people.